amra@ihuxj.UUCP (Steven L. Aldrich) (02/29/84)
I had a thought the other day and would would like to see if
it has any validity and/or application in the real world.
WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO WIN A WAR BY DISABLING THE OPPOSING
SIDES CAPACITY TO GENERATE AND UTILIZE ELECTRICITY?
The idea centers around the EMP effect on electrical circuits
and related devices. From what I've read there appears to be a
significant threat to both the U.S./U.S.S.R from EMP. Since this
would in effect wipe out most power supplies, radio stations,
tele-communications, etc. would it not be sufficent to WIN a war
by utilizing this effect. If a country could knock out the opposing
sides electrical systems would this not effectively cripple their
countries ability to strike back.
Have you ever stopped to realize that much of our current society
is built upon, and supported by, the use of electric power. Imagine
the effect upon our modern socio-economic groups if the plug were
pulled without warning. What would the short/long term effect be if
our capacity to generate electricity were disrupted for even a few
weeks. What would the problems be if the interuption of power were
to last for months or years. Would our modern societies be able to
cope with this or would things degenerate to a point of near
chaos??
As an example, remember the last power outage in New York city a few
years back. I'm referring to the Major Black-out in the late 70's or
early 80's. What if the power were to go out 10 minutes from now and
not return for several weeks?
I'm no expert on these matters, so if I've made any errors please let
me know. I am looking forward to hearing from you on this issue.
THANKS IN ADVANCE to all those who send their replies/views/opinions.
PEACE & BEST WISHES
From the ever curious mind of:
Steve Aldrich (ihnp4!ihuxj!amra)
"Ya, we're playing those mind games forever..."
John Lennonesj@ihuxl.UUCP (Natty Dread ) (02/29/84)
Interesting idea, but how would one pull the plug on the submerged subs and airborne strategic bombers? If we exploded half a dozen thermonuclear devices a hundred miles over the Soviet Union, I think they'd have a pretty good idea who was responsible. ihnp4!ihuxl!esj
dave@utcsrgv.UUCP (Dave Sherman) (03/02/84)
There was a good science fiction short story a while back on this.
I can't remember who wrote it (I haven't read any science fiction
in 10 years or so), but basically there was a backwoods (Arkansas?)
guy who could communicate with his parents by thinking. When he
did, all electricity in the area would stop. It never made any
difference in the backwoods, since they had no electricity. The
further away he was, the harder he had to think, and the more
widespread was the power-cut. So the Army took him over to Russia
and asked him to think real hard to talk to his parents.
Anyone remember the author, title of the story and/or where it
appears? I'm cross-posting this to net.sf-lovers, but I don't
read that newsgroup, so if you do know, please MAIL me.
Dave Sherman
Toronto
--
{allegra,cornell,decvax,ihnp4,linus,utzoo}!utcsrgv!dave